Police have charged a 23-year-old man following a traffic crash and an armed robbery incident in Dulacca last night, May 22.
Emergency services were initially called around 8.45pm, following reports of a traffic crash between a Ford Everest and semi-trailer on the Warrego Highway.
A man exited the Ford Everest, allegedly armed with a firearm, and approached a woman and a man who had stopped at the scene to assist. It is alleged he stole the couple's Ford Courier and fled the scene, heading towards Miles and Chinchilla.
Chinchilla officers successfully deployed tyre deflation devices around 9.30pm and the vehicle came to a stop a short distance away on the Warrego Highway in Chinchilla.
The man was taken into custody a short time later with assistance from, Miles Police Station and South West Tactical Crime Squad as he attempted to flee on foot.
When officers searched the Ford Everest, they located two firearms, 254 grams of methamphetamine and cash.
The truck driver a 37-year-old Alice Springs man and the two occupants of the Ford Courier a 78-year-old man and a 64-year-old woman from Ipswich were not physically injured.
The 23-year-old Crows Nest man was taken to Dalby Hospital to undergo medical treatment.
He has since been charged with five offences including one count each of armed robbery, possess dangerous drugs, unlawful possession of weapons, possess proceeds of a crime and drug driving.
He was due to appear in the Dalby Magistrates Court today.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
Operation Whiskey Firestorm is a high-impact statewide initiative designed to tackle the critical issues of firearm safety and illicit firearms.
The operation is sending a clear message about the importance of proper firearm storage and the role licenced firearm owners play in ensuring community safety. Operation Whiskey Firestorm is also focusing on a coordinated statewide response to the investigation, prevention and disruption activities involving illicit firearms offences and violent firearm related offending.
This operation comes in response to 2024 statistics which saw 1,055 firearm licenses revoked, and over 3,290 offences involving firearms, including serious offences such as attempted murder, assault, robbery and unlawful entry.
The QPS will be conducting extensive audits, coordinating regional operations, and working with licensed firearm owners to ensure they meet safety and ownership rules and regulations.
